Category: Natural Resources

~By Dr. Mary Lusk, UF Soil and Water Sciences Department, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced last year a Septic Upgrade Incentive Program that will help offset the cost to homeowners… Read More

Situation: The Master Gardener Program (MG) is a volunteer organization comprised of individuals who have an interest in gardening and preserving natural resources. To become a MG volunteer in Osceola and Orange Counties, participants are required to attend… Read More

1. Extension Agents, Florida Cooperative Extension, Lake County, Tavares, FL 32757 Lake County, Florida is experiencing a period of substantial growth with development booming at both ends of the county. The urbanization of traditionally agricultural land can lead… Read More

Situation: Although it is a county historically dominated by agriculture, Osceola County is rapidly urbanizing. This growth has led to the development of rural agricultural lands. However, undeveloped agricultural areas contain natural resources, provide habitat for wildlife, and… Read More

What are Stormwater Ponds: Stormwater ponds are common features of urban landscapes. Recently, members of the SHED Group estimated over 95,000 stormwater ponds in Florida. These human-made ecosystems serve a very important function. They capture stormwater runoff from… Read More

By: Lisa Krimsky, Betty Staugler, Brittany Scharf, Krista Stump and Rebecca Burton Florida’s lingering red tide has left many concerned residents with unanswered questions. Over the past 14 months since the bloom began off the coast of Southwest… Read More

What is Residential Landscape Ecology? Recently, I watched what I believe to be a red-shouldered hawk dive into a tree, catch a squirrel, and fly away with another hawk to enjoy their meal. Witnessing this event was amazing…. Read More